One year on, no action by the civic body on court order against illegal commercial establishments

This April 11 will mark one year since the Karnataka High Court directed the BBMP to act against commercial establishments violating zonal regulations in Indiranagar.

But till date, no action has been initiated by the civic body. The petitioners in the case, who are residents of the neighbourhood, ask why is the BBMP dragging its feet on the issue when there is court order.

“The April 11 order was one of the biggest victories for the residents of Indiranagar fighting against illegal commercialisation of a residential area. But, despite the ruling, action has been slow to come by,” said Praveen Sundaram, who was the petitioner in the case, representing Indiranagar Stage II League (10th Main).

Indiranagar residents have in fact won three orders in their favour against commercial establishments, none of which have seen the light of the day.

It all started in 2015, when the residents started filing RTI applications to the BBMP and Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), which replied that most commercial establishments have no sanction for change of land use nor any trade licence.

“With the replies, we went to court against 74 establishments spread over 22 streets in ward 80 and 89 in 2016. After a year, we got an order in our favour in 2017. Some notices were given, but then officials changed and the matter was forgotten. It tells a lot about our governance machinery,” Mr. Sundaram said.

In July 2017, another writ petition filed by B.M. Kaval Residents Association received a favourable ruling and the BBMP was asked to act against commercial establishments violating rules. “We have been forced to fight for our own existence. Running to court and the BBMP has become our full-time job now,” said Sneha Nadihal, who is the petitioner in this case. She said that if the BBMP fails to act soon, the residents will not hesitate to file a contempt charge. “The BBMP cannot take one year to act on a court order,” she added.

BBMP East Joint Commissioner Dr. Ashok said 36 commercial establishments in Indiranagar will be given intimation for zonal violations. “Around 150 establishments have been inspected, of which 36 will be given notices soon,” he said.